Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the meeting won’t occur before the Super Bowl. Instead, Payton will be required to apply for reinstatement the day after the championship game is played at the Superdome.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the meeting won’t occur before the Super Bowl. Instead, Payton will be required to apply for reinstatement the day after the championship game is played at the Superdome.

According to Payton's suspension paperwork, his exile ends a the end of the 2012 season. But when exactly is that? Does it end with the last whistle of Super Bowl 47? Does it end after Goodell or his "designated appointee" presents the Lombardi Trophy? Let's imagine for a moment. Indulge me.

After the last whistle of the Super Bowl and the winner is declared, Sean Payton trots out to the 50 yard line and tosses his visor into the air. He is greeted by thunderous applause and cheering. Roger Goodell loses everything at that moment... credibility, esteem, self-pride... everything. So he cannot allow that to happen. Release Payton immediately and let's get this display over. It's the only thing that makes sense, but Payton isn't asking, is he? No comment, say Sean. HA! Goodell... you have been bested by a man who never said a word about your injustice. But then, Sean Payton has always been a man of few words. When asked by the media as to injury reports, who will play what positions, how's his broken leg coming along, etc., Sean simply says "no comment". This, naturally, frustrates the press because it doesn't give them any fodder.

All those New Orleans fans hoping suspended coach Sean Payton will be reinstated soon might as well forget about that possibility.

In fact, Payton might not be back on duty quite as soon as originally anticipated. The early word was that he could return to work immediately after the Super Bowl.

But ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell isn’t expected to meet with Payton before the Super Bowl. Schefter’s report also said that Payton won’t be allowed to apply for reinstatement until the day after the Super Bowl.

Even if Goodell moves quickly on the reinstatement process, it’s not likely Payton will be allowed back to work until at least a few days after the Super Bowl.

That could put Payton at a disadvantage if he’s going to make any changes to his coaching staff. Many moves already are taking part around the league, and the final wave usually comes at the Senior Bowl in late January.

But Payton won’t be allowed to attend the Senior Bowl, and that could put him in a difficult spot to make any staff changes. The Saints might be better off to let interim head coach Joe Vitt and general manager Mickey Loomis make any changes before Payton’s eligible to return.Report: No early return for Payton - NFC South Blog - ESPN